Pope Francis is sending the Church’s leading abuse investigator to Chile in order to look into accusations that a bishop covered up crimes against children. The Pontiff has asked Malta’s Archbishop Charles Scicluna to go to the country on behalf of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith, to listen to those who say they…
Life coach Eileen Hopkins advises Colm Fitzpatrick about tackling New Year resolutions ‘New Year, New Me’ is a modern aphorism so entrenched into Irish society that personal transformation in January has become a sobering thought for many. From reading more and taking up gardening, to quitting smoking and finally making use of that harrowing…
A chaplain’s job is like a parent’s, writes Colm Fitzpatrick As Catholic chaplain in Trinity College for the ninth year, Peter Sexton SJ is continuing to try and spread Gospel values and provide support for thousands of students year in, year out. Born in 1944 in Limerick, Fr Peter is the youngest of three…
Children’s Corner Performance arts are an excellent way to gain confidence in yourself and can also be very enriching and creative. One ancient art form that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs is juggling, which has thrived throughout the world in places like China and even Siberia. Although there are various forms…
The failure to institute a redress scheme for children who lived in Northern residential homes has been described as “deeply regrettable” by the Diocese of Down and Connor. Sir Anthony Hart’s Historical Institutional Abuse (HIAI) Report, published in January 2017, had examined the provision of care in a number of residential homes between 1922 and…
Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry has praised the announcement of a ceasefire by a dissident republican group. Óglaigh na hÉireann which has been responsible for a number of attacks, including the attempted murder of Catholic PSNI member Peadar Heffron in 2010, declared the ceasefire yesterday afternoon following negotiations with trade unionists. Bishop McKeown said: “I…
The Pope has called on journalists to search for the truth in an era characterised by ‘fake news’. The comments come after the unprecedented bad press the Pontiff faced during his recently-concluded South American tour where he visited Chile and Peru. Fake news grabs people’s attention “by appealing to stereotypes and common social prejudices, and…
Ken Gibson tells Colm Fitzpatrick about the myths surrounding leprosy An Irish-born charity is working globally to try and make one of the world’s oldest diseases a thing of the past. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, often evokes imagery of contamination and bodily disfigurement but the reality of the ailment is very different…
Colm Fitzpatrick explores ways to combat seasonal sadness The Christmas holidays are a highlight in almost everybody’s calendars, but the season can be tinged with unexpected feelings of unhappiness and loneliness, with these spilling over or bubbling up in January. The ‘Christmas blues’ or ‘post-holiday depression’ is a phenomenon that can affect anyone, and…
Personal Profile Paul Ginnell tells Colm Fitzpatrick about his new role in fighting poverty With thousands of people affected by consistent poverty in Ireland, a new director of an Irish-based anti-poverty network is stepping up to the mark to let his voice be heard. European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland (EAPN), established in 1990, is a…